Conservative candidate Friedrich Merz leads in German election as exit polls show victory

Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right Union bloc, has claimed victory in Germany's national election, with exit polls showing his party in the lead. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to achieve its best results since World War II. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has conceded defeat, with his center-left Social Democrats projected to finish in third place, marking their worst performance in a national election. Voter turnout was reported at 52% hours before polls closed. Merz aims to form a governing coalition quickly, while the outgoing government will remain in a caretaker role until a new chancellor is elected. The election follows the collapse of Scholz's coalition last year.